Scenic Views · Alberta
Johnston Canyon, Upper Falls
The higher of Johnston Canyon's two big waterfalls on the Bow Valley Parkway, reached by a longer, rockier trail past the Lower Falls. Quieter than the Lower Falls but still busy on weekends.
What visitors say
The Upper Falls sit about 1.6 km beyond the Lower Falls in Johnston Canyon, where the creek drops through a narrow limestone gorge. There are two ways to see them: from a lookout above and from a platform below. The sound and spray of the water in the canyon are what most people remember.
The trail to the Upper Falls is about 5 km return from the parking lot and climbs more than the section to the Lower Falls, with switchbacks and rougher ground. Reviewers range from calling it an easy, steady trail to a moderate-to-difficult one, so wear proper shoes. Allow about 90 minutes, longer on busy weekends.
Fewer people go past the Lower Falls, which makes the Upper Falls calmer, and one hiker recommends starting very early for an empty trail. The trail stays above the creek through the canyon. Johnston Creek isn't on Banff's closed list, but any fishing happens away from the catwalks and needs a Parks Canada permit.
Bring rain gear and bug spray, as it can be cold, wet or buggy even in summer. Check Parks Canada before you go: parts of the Bow Valley Parkway have seasonal limits on private vehicles, though Johnston Canyon can still be reached from Castle Junction.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 839 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.